At the Tokyo Olympics, Wang Shun won the men's 200-meter medley championship with what he considered "incredible" results. He has been engaged in swimming for many years, and his love is a powerful motivation. The happiness of improving his performance can last for a long time, a

At the Tokyo Olympics, Wang Shun won the men's 200-meter medley championship with what he considered "incredible" results. This heavy gold medal is the reward for his years of unremitting efforts.

With grades come more and more responsibilities. As a veteran, he wants to set an example for young players and still holds himself to high standards.

Now, he is about to embark on the battlefield of the World Championships in Budapest.

Before departure, Wang Shun accepted an exclusive interview with China-Singapore Sports. He admitted that he had not competed for several months and was now looking forward to the first international competition this year.

Wang Shun said that although the postponement of the Asian Games disrupted this year's participation plan, it also gave him more time to adjust. He hopes that the national anthem can be played at home by then. He has been engaged in swimming for many years, and his love is a powerful motivation. The happiness of improving his performance can last for a long time, and he is happier than winning a lottery ticket.

competition

Zhongxin Sports: You are about to participate in the World Championships. What is your current status?

Wang Shun: Now the training is carried out according to the coach's instructions, but I still have some injuries. For example, my shoulders are still a little uncomfortable, and my knees will react more obviously when the intensity is high. It still affects training at ordinary times, and I am currently undergoing active treatment.

However, there will always be a time when the body needs to adjust, and it is impossible to be in the best condition all the time. No matter what, I will try my best.

Sino-Singapore Sports: What goals have you set for yourself in this World Championships?

Wang Shun: I think the main thing is to give full play to my own strength. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I just want to go all out to show what I have learned. Of course,

will also think of a rough result. For example, last year I swam 1:55.00 in the Olympic Games. This was a very good result and something I had not thought of before the competition. I hope to be able to get close to this result this time.

The semifinals of the men's 200-meter medley of the Tokyo Olympics swimming competition were held at the Tokyo Aquatic Center . Chinese player Wang Shun advanced to the final with a time of 1 minute, 56 seconds and 22 seconds. Photo by China News Service reporter Tomita

China News Sports: Is injury the biggest difficulty you encounter in preparing for the game?

Wang Shun: Definitely not. Injuries have become a norm. In addition, you will encounter a lot of problems. The key is how to overcome the problem after encountering it, especially solving the problem mentally. I think it is the most important.

For example, when I encountered an injury before, I would be very scared, thinking that the sky might fall. But now when I encounter an injury, I will have a certain plan in my mind, what should I do, how to overcome it, and how to be like this in the end. Take some time to adjust it.

Sino-Singapore Sports: This competition is the first World Series you have participated in this year. What is your mentality now?

Wang Shun: I am looking forward to it because after the short course swimming championship last year, there was no competition for 7 months and there was no chance to show my strength in the competition, so I am still very eager to compete. Of course, there will definitely be pressure, but I will still find ways to relieve myself. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself before the game, and you can go into battle lightly.

Sino-Singapore Sports: After winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics last year, will your mentality change? For example, will you be more calm or stressed when facing a competition like the World Championships?

Wang Shun: It will happen, but I feel that the Olympic Games have already passed, and the World Championships will not be as stressful as the Olympic Games. And this is my sixth time participating in the World Championships, so I’m more looking forward to it.

2017 The men's 200-meter medley final of the FINA World Championships was held in Budapest. Chinese player Wang Shun won the third place in 1 minute, 56 seconds and 28 seconds. Photo by China News Service reporter Tomita

China News Sports: What is the competition plan for this year?

Wang Shun: Originally, my coach and team’s goal was to participate in the Asian Games in September, and I might not participate in the World Championships. However, it is a pity that the Asian Games was postponed due to various reasons, so I came to participate in the World Championships.

Responsibility

Sino-Singapore Sports: Will the postponement of the Asian Games add more difficulties to your preparations? What is the Asian Games goal you have set for yourself?

Wang Shun: In fact, from the end of the Olympic Games last year to now, there will be some physical reactions, and it will take time to adjust. I think it may be a good thing. I can better check for leaks and fill in the gaps, and more accurately improve what is missing in the new cycle, and strive for better breakthroughs next year.

Because the Asian Games is special to me, it is held in Hangzhou, and I am also in Zhejiang. People hope that the national anthem can be played at home.

Sino-Singapore Sports: Do you feel that after the Tokyo Olympics, the burden on you is getting heavier and heavier? Is this responsibility a pressure or an incentive for you?

Wang Shun: Yes. But according to our coach, since you have eaten this bowl of rice, you must eat it well. So I will still prioritize training and show what I have learned on the field.

I am a party member. I will always remind myself in my daily training, life and study that I must play a leading role and set a good example for the team members around me.

I also learned it from my coach Zhu Zhigen Director Zhu. Our coach is also an old party member. He also teaches by words and deeds in life and training. We have been getting along for a long time, and I have seen and learned from it. I think it has gradually become a habit.

In the men's 200-meter medley final of the Tokyo Olympics, Chinese player Wang Shun won the championship in 1 minute and 55 seconds, successfully ascending to the highest podium after winning the bronze medal in the event at the Rio Olympics. Photo by China News Service reporter Tomita

China News Sports: Last year you were named the best male swimmer in Asia in 2021 by professional swimming media. What does this selection result mean to you?

Wang Shun: I think it is an affirmation of my swimming career for so many years, because when the best Asian male athletes were selected every year, I really hoped to be like them one day. Finally last year I also became the best male athlete in Asia. I am very excited and proud.

Zhongxin Sports: When summing up 2021, you said it was full of gains. If it were at the end of 2022, how would you like to sum up this year?

Wang Shun: It has also been a fruitful year. (Laughs) I hope to do things well step by step. I think it will all fall into place in the end.

In fact, in the process of improvement, athletes may have been taking detours and forks in the road, and then choose the path that is most helpful to them. I think this is the meaning of growth and harvest for athletes every year. This is the cornerstone of performance improvement.

loves

Zhongxin Sports: You have been in the current industry for so many years, can you still feel the fun from swimming?

Wang Shun: Yes, if an athlete does not love this sport, I think he is definitely not far away from retirement.

First of all, I have to keep loving it. Secondly, I think happiness comes from the improvement of performance in daily training. When I have a very good result, I feel that this kind of happiness can last for a long time, and I am happier than winning a lottery ticket. .

Zhongxin Sports: Improving performance can bring you happiness. Can this happiness cover the boring training and the suffering of injuries?

Wang Shun: Yes, because I am used to it. When you set your goal, I don’t think it will be a big problem if you encounter any problems in the process.

Zhongxin Sports: In addition to swimming, do you have any other favorite sports? How is the level?

Wang Shun: I also like to play basketball very much. When there is no game or when the game is over, I will go to the basketball court with my teammates to play.

I played center or power forward, maybe because I couldn't run or was too lazy to run, so I just stood inside. (laughing)

Sino-Singapore Sports: After the Uber Cup you posted on Weibo to encourage Chinese athletes, and you also paid attention to the Winter Olympics competitions.As an athlete, do you feel more emotional when watching competitions in other sports?

Wang Shun: I can understand them very well, and I was very nervous when watching them. I watched a lot of the short track speed skating competitions in the Winter Olympics, especially the relays, which are closer to our swimming events as they are all racing events. The feeling when sprinting is really hard to bear after the lactic acid kicks in, but everyone is still persevering and working hard. I feel that I can empathize with it.

China New Sports: What are your expectations for 2024 Paris Olympics ?

Wang Shun: In the new cycle, the entire team will make a series of preparations around the Paris Olympics. I personally will keep a normal mind, train well at ordinary times, and test the results of my training through competitions at different stages. I believe that by then The results will fall into place.

(Author Wang Hao)

Source: China-Singapore Sports WeChat public account